An Opposition MP is calling on the federal government to renew funding to the Aboriginal Justice Strategy.
New Democrat Jean Crowder says many programs covered under the plan don’t know whether they will continue or not, now that funding has sunsetted.
Crowder says the strategy supports hundreds of different justice programs ranging from prevention to restorative justice to community safety.
She worries a lot of front-line workers could eventually lose their jobs:
“These are people on the ground delivering programs and services. So, whether it’s looking at sentencing circles, whether it’s looking at supporting victims and family members and helping people not to re-offend, they’re doing the work on the ground — and that’s why it’s such an important program.”
Crowder says she hopes the Minister of Justice will re-commit funding to the program for another five years.